SELAYANG: For the upcoming Bersatu party election, there are expected to be no contests for the top leadership in order to preserve party unity, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Bersatu president said that he has held discussions and negotiated with party members to avoid any clashes in the lead-up to the October election.

“The idea for negotiation came up during the party’s retreat last month. Among the motions proposed was that I will meet up with the top leadership and discuss ways to avoid clashes within the party.

“I have met all of them and negotiated with them that perhaps we can avoid any conflicts over the top positions in the party,” he said at the Bersatu convention here on Saturday (July 13).

Muhyiddin, however, did not reveal the outcome of the negotiation, saying that any announcement on the matter will be made at a later date.

“Within the top ranks of the party’s leadership, there is a spirit of muhibbah (togetherness) and compromise among us to give way or provide opportunities to other leaders,” he added.

The Pagoh MP also hoped similar sessions could be done involving all at the division level nationwide.

Muhyiddin said he wanted to see the party strengthened after the party’s election to ensure better support in the next general election.

“The upcoming election will decide if we win or lose the 16th General Election. Do not take this matter lightly, this is not only about our party’s survival but our race, country and religion,” he said.

The former prime minister also said that gaining support from the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Iban and the Orang Asli is crucial for the party to win the election and form a government.